When the strategic missile forces were created. Russian missile forces: RVSN and RVIA

Rocket troops and artillery (RV and A)- one of the genera Ground forces Armed Forces Russian Federation(Russian Armed Forces).

The structure of the missile forces and artillery:

Organizationally, the missile forces consist of formations, units of operational-tactical and tactical missiles, and large-caliber rocket artillery. Artillery consists of formations (units, subunits) of howitzer, cannon, rocket, anti-tank artillery, anti-tank missile systems, mortars, as well as artillery reconnaissance, command and control and support.

Units and subunits of missile forces and artillery are organizationally included in the types and branches of the Russian Armed Forces and other "power" structures:

• rocket troops and artillery of the Ground Forces of the Russian Armed Forces;
• rocket troops and artillery of the coastal troops of the Russian Navy;
• artillery Airborne troops Armed Forces of Russia;
• artillery of the border troops of the FSB of Russia (mortar units);
• artillery of the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.

Military educational institutions and military units of direct subordination, which include:

• Penza Artillery Engineering Order of the Red Star named after Chief Marshal of Artillery N. N. Voronov Institute (PAII);
• Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy;
• Kolomenskoe (formerly Mikhailovskoe) Higher Artillery Command School - disbanded in 2009.
• Kazan and Yekaterinburg Higher Artillery Command Schools (military institutes) - disbanded in 2011;
• Cadet Missile and Artillery Corps;
• Four training centers for the combat employment of MFA;
• MFA Research Center - partially transferred to Moscow, downsized in 2011

Leaders of the Rocket Forces and Artillery of the Land Forces of the USSR and the Russian Federation

Commanders of artillery (1943-1961), commanders of missile forces and artillery (1961-1987), chiefs of missile forces and artillery (from 1987), chiefs of missile forces and artillery of the Ground Forces (from 2011)

• 1943-1950 - Marshal of Artillery (until 1944), Chief Marshal of Artillery N.N. Voronov,
• 1950-1955 - Colonel General (until 1953), Marshal of Artillery M.I.Nedelin,
• 1955-1963 - Marshal of Artillery (until 1961), Chief Marshal of Artillery S.S.Varentsov,
• 1963-1969 - Marshal of artillery K.P. Kazakov,
• 1969-1983 - Colonel General (until 1973), Marshal of Artillery G.E. Peredelsky,
• 1983-1991 - Colonel General (until 1989), Marshal of Artillery V.M. Mikhalkin,
• 1991-1997 - Colonel General N.M.Dimidyuk,
• 1997-2001 - Colonel General M. I. Karatuev,
• 2001-2008 - Colonel General V. N. Zaritsky,
• 2009-2010 - Lieutenant General S. V. Bogatinov,
• from May 2011 (from October 2010 and .about.) - Colonel M.M. Matveevsky.

I. KOROTCHENKO: I am pleased to introduce our guest, next to me is Major General Mikhail Mikhailovich Matveyevsky, chief of the ground forces' missile and artillery forces. Good afternoon.

I. KOROTCHENKO: Naturally, we will talk about how important the rocket forces and artillery are today for solving the tasks facing the ground forces and, in general, the Russian armed forces. I remember famous expression since the time of the classics: "Artillery is the god of war." Today, how could we characterize that role and that place in the structure armed forces, which is played, in particular, by the rocket forces, and the artillery of the ground forces.

M. MATVEEVSKY: Artillery, as before, is the god of war. Latest events local wars, armed conflicts once again prove that success in any battle, operation, brings, first of all, long-range fire defeat. And, as before, we must create all the conditions for the infantry, motorized rifle and tank forces to successfully complete the task without suffering human casualties, including in equipment and in arming motorized rifle and tank forces. The artillery is clearing, the infantry is advancing. As it was. But at the same time, some forms and methods of the combat employment of missile forces and artillery have changed. They are being improved, new forms of using missile forces and artillery in combat operations are being sought. Today, what calibers do we have in the structure of the ground forces, if we are talking about artillery systems? The main caliber is 152 mm, it is in service in the district level, in the army level, and in the brigade divisional level. In addition, do not forget the artillery formations armed with high-power artillery systems of 203 mm caliber: the well-known Pion and Tulip systems. Do we still have anti-tank artillery? Anti-tank artillery is represented by the MT-12 "Rapier" anti-tank guns. But in the future, we focus on anti-tank missile systems such as "Chrysanthemum-S", "Shturm-S", "Kornet". Chrysanthemum-S was presented at the Victory Day Parade last year.

I. KOROTCHENKO: Organizationally, what do those military units that solve artillery-related tasks look like?

M. MATVEEVSKY: The rocket forces and artillery of the ground forces represent the formation of the rocket forces - these are rocket brigades armed with the Iskander-M, Tochka-U complex and rocket artillery brigades armed with the Smerch multiple launch rocket system, to replace which will receive a modernized "Tornado" called "Tornado-S". Artillery formations are artillery brigades armed with howitzer and anti-tank rocket artillery. There are also reconnaissance artillery divisions conducting reconnaissance of targets for destruction by missile forces and artillery in an operation in battle. That is the highest form The military formation in this branch of the troops is a missile brigade and an artillery brigade.

I. KOROTCHENKO: Do you still have arsenals?

M. MATVEEVSKY: Naturally, arsenals and bases take place in the system of material and technical support under the general direction of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.

I. KOROTCHENKO: At the Victory Parade in honor of the 70th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, a number of new products were shown, including those based on your nomenclature. Could it be possible to tell in more detail, in particular, about the self-propelled artillery unit "Coalition-SV" and, of course, about other novelties that are directly in the field of your activity.

M. MATVEEVSKY: Yes, at the May 9 Victory Parade, we all saw the new Coalition-SV artillery system. 152 mm self-propelled howitzer, created by a team of our scientists, industry and designers.

I. KOROTCHENKO: Who is the developer?

M. MATVEEVSKY: The developer is traditionally our Ural factories, so to speak.

I. KOROTCHENKO: So this is the Uralvagonzavod corporation?

M. MATVEEVSKY: Yes, under the general corporation Uralvagonzavod. They have extensive historical experience since the Great Patriotic War, so they also created such a system, which is in service, which has undergone several upgrades. And it can be called a model of modern weapons even today, and up to the 20th year. The "coalition" is taking over. This new class self-propelled artillery howitzers, which in their potential exceed the best foreign counterparts, such as "Pantsir", the FRG "Donar" howitzer, and other systems that take place in the developed countries of our planet.

I. KOROTCHENKO: Initially, there was an idea that the "Coalition" would have two trunks. Was this option really being worked out?

M. MATVEEVSKY: Let's say that one of the ways to increase the rate of fire is to place barrels on the gun carriage, therefore, such approaches take place in modern world... For example, the Finns and Swedes have a joint development of AMOS mortar, which has two barrels, which increases the rate of fire. Two barrels are used in the fleet, several are installed on ships. The two barrels also have some advantages: the rate of fire increases by several rounds per minute, but at one time it also has disadvantages in the land version, because they require increased mass, carrying capacity, and so on. It is on the ship she is in place. And here they tested it with two barrels, but came to the option to have one barrel, but the rate of fire compared to the existing one was increased by one and a half times. It allows us to carry out fire missions in real time in the mode of one or two minutes of fire raid, leaving the firing position. We make a fire maneuver so as not to get hit by a retaliatory strike from the enemy's maternal units.

I. KOROTCHENKO: What other features could you note specifically about the product of "Coalition-SV"? Design features, something else.

M. MATVEEVSKY: Speaking openly, so many innovative approaches have been made there. First, it is a deserted fighting compartment.

I. KOROTCHENKO: That is, an uninhabited fighting compartment, right?

M. MATVEEVSKY: Yes. That is, a decrease in the number of personnel of the calculation by several times - about two times. Fully automated topographic referencing system, and other features that increase the combat potential of this weapon not only by percent, but many times compared to the existing ones, even modern designs... That is, in practice, this self-propelled howitzer "Coalition" allows us to implement an improved form of combat employment of artillery units. We reduce the time to complete a combat mission from one firing position. This is the most important thing in the existing combat conditions, when there is a maneuverable nature of the conduct of hostilities.

I. KOROTCHENKO: How about target designation?

M. MATVEEVSKY: This system is both programmatically and technically coupled with machine control systems, which allows you to calculate installations for firing and transmit in automatic mode, and aim “automatically” both in range and in control.

I. KOROTCHENKO: Yes, the novelty is, of course, very noticeable. What kind of ammunition is planned to be used for the Coalition-SV Joint-Stock Company?

M. MATVEEVSKY: When creating the Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled howitzer, we are simultaneously creating a set of ammunition of a different nature - both conventional ammunition, and special ammunition, such as smoke, incendiary, lighting, combat, high-precision ammunition. That is, the entire range of ammunition, which takes place in the artillery, is created in this work. Without ammunition, there is no achievement of the goal that we set when we launched this development project called the Coalition.

I. KOROTCHENKO: By high-precision ammunition we mean the realizing principle of both laser guidance and the GLONASS system by coordinates, do I understand correctly?

M. MATVEEVSKY: Yes, when creating a high-precision ammunition, we took into account the experience that we have with Krasnopol, a guided missile. When creating the first generation, the experience of other states was also taken into account. We brought all this into one technical task... As a result, I am sure that the Coalition's high-precision ammunition will be of a truly new generation, and will not be inferior to modern foreign counterparts. First of all, in terms of accuracy and range, as well as its use in conditions of various combat situations.

I. KOROTCHENKO: There was also Kornet.

M. MATVEEVSKY: "Kornet" is an anti-tank missile system, we all saw it at the Victory Day parade. "Kornet-D" was created by the collective of industrial enterprises "High-precision complexes". Therefore, "Kornet" is also a direction for the development of high-precision weapons, but of the class of an anti-tank missile system.

I. KOROTCHENKO: Also an effective weapon?

M. MATVEEVSKY: We even have a task for anti-tank subunits for the consumption of ammunition in order to get an "excellent" grade - and this is one goal - one missile.

I. KOROTCHENKO: That is, defeat with a probability of 0.9 and higher?

M. MATVEEVSKY: Yes, 0.9 - which we are laying down already when creating these complexes at the stage of setting a task for industrial enterprises that are the developers of this weapon.

I. KOROTCHENKO: Now I would like to touch upon the question of how the rearmament of the ground forces is proceeding with the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system.

M. MATVEEVSKY: Rearmament to the best missile system in the world, Iskander-M, is proceeding as planned, in accordance with the plan for the construction of ground forces. 2 missile brigades are re-equipped annually. This is widely communicated, and is not hidden from our public, from the citizens of our country, the world community. We have something to be proud of that we have such a missile system. According to this plan, we are re-equipping the missile brigades of the ground forces and the coastal forces of the navy. Planned in all districts that are armed with Tochka missile brigades.

I. KOROTCHENKO: Why was this implemented enough? non-standard approach, when the Iskander weapons include both a ballistic missile and a cruise missile. And for what types of purposes one and the second product are intended.

M. MATVEEVSKY: This again emphasizes that the approach of our designers, our military scientists, in comparison with other foreign countries, has always been interesting. We looked a little further. Therefore, having in a missile system two types of missiles, both ballistic and cruise, is very good from the point of view of the effectiveness of combat use, and the destruction of various classes of objects. The ballistic and cruise missiles have their pros and cons, as in any organism. The advantages that cruise missiles have are that they increase the combat potential of this missile system as a whole. And the disadvantages that a cruise missile have are offset by the advantages of a ballistic missile. And having two types of missiles in this complex is good. Because depending on the nature of the objects, the commander decides which missile to hit the most effectively, to reduce the time. Because they have different flight times. What trajectory to choose, what type of warhead to use. This complex has a wide range of warheads - missiles, which can generally increase the combat potential of this complex. By increasing the combat potential of the missile system of a missile brigade, we generally increase the potential of that grouping of forces located in a certain operational or strategic direction. And in general, we look at this balance of forces and means that the missile system brings to us, as well as other means of destruction, control, on the outcome and achievement of the set goal in an operation or in a battle, which is determined by the combined-arms commander.

I. KOROTCHENKO: When is it planned to complete the process of rearmament of brigades in the structure of the ground forces with Iskander?

M. MATVEEVSKY: We are proceeding as planned, these data are not hidden. And as it was stated in the plans of the Minister of Defense and in the plans of the Government, by 2018 the missile forces of the ground forces will be fully equipped with the Iskander-M missile system.

I. KOROTCHENKO: In the course of the surprise checks carried out, the Iskander complexes were deployed to the Kaliningrad region several times. Moreover, the first time this was done without notice, and they worked out combat missions there, then they were redeployed from there again. Then it turned out that Western intelligence did not record this fact. What does this mean? About stealth, about the possibilities of operational camouflage? And the second question: in the course of the second similar operations, already with notification, the Iskanders again worked out combat training missions on the territory of the Kaliningrad region. And when will they be registered there permanently?

M. MATVEEVSKY: This, first of all, speaks of the talent of our leader - the Minister of Defense, the head of the General Staff - how they planned, made such a decision. And directly the leaders of the missile formations, the commanders of the army of the military district, implemented the plan that was successfully adopted by the General Staff. This shows the talent and wisdom of our leadership in the fact that, as in the years of the Great Patriotic War, at the final stage, we were still one of the best strategists in the art of war. In the Kaliningrad region, planned rearmament is underway, as in the general system of rearmament of ground forces' missile brigades with this complex. What has been defined and set in the tasks by the Minister of Defense will undoubtedly be fulfilled by us.

I. KOROTCHENKO: That is, until 2018, as I understand it, in any case, the missile brigade, which is stationed in the Kaliningrad region, will be re-equipped with Iskander complexes.

M. MATVEEVSKY: There is no doubt about this, but the fact that the transfer of missile units to the same Kaliningrad region, or the Kaliningrad region, showed that the missile system is a mobile vehicle, it is capable of being transported by any type of transport and railroad, and by air, and by sea. Not to mention the fact that he himself has a fairly large power reserve.

I. KOROTCHENKO: I would also like to ask a question about new approaches in the combat training of rocket artillery forces, ground forces units using the example of the international army game "Masters of Artillery Fire-2015".

M. MATVEEVSKY: Yes, this year, for the first time, by the decision of the Minister of Defense, we are participating in international games... As was the tank biathlon, we will have our own niche - these are the masters of artillery fire. But at the same time, we are talking about the fact that such competitions-contests in this type of troops have been going on for a long time. Back in 1913, a competition among artillery batteries was held for the first time in the Prussian artillery. In the artillery museum of the city of St. Petersburg there is even a challenge pennant, where the years and who was the winner in 1913 are engraved. In 1914, the First World War and the place was empty. There, the last blank tag on this pennant is 1957. Therefore, back in 1913, they thought that such games would be held. We are holding all-army competitions among rocket artillery batteries named after Marshal of Artillery Mikhalkin, a competition among commanders of rocket artillery battalions named after Chief Marshal of Artillery Voronov. In May we will be holding The final stage... And all army games are "Master of artillery fire". We invite everyone in Saratov to participate. From August 1, not only Russian artillerymen will participate, but also other foreign states that have agreed to take part.

I. KOROTCHENKO: According to the "Masters of Artillery Fire", it is clear which of the foreign artillerymen will come to us for these competitions?

M. MATVEEVSKY: Yes, currently four foreign states have agreed to participate in the competition - the Republic of Belarus, our brothers, Angola, the People's Republic of China, Venezuela. Turkmenistan and Myanmar expressed a desire to participate as observers. We expect more participants. All representatives of military attachés in foreign countries have received invitations, there is a constant consultation, there is a desire. At least 5 teams already exist, so from 1 to 15 August at the training ground in the city of Saratov we will decide who will be the first, who is the second, who is the third. Everyone knows the conditions, they are ready to speak. The only thing is that the People's Republic of China expressed a desire to participate with its weapons. This is also possible, we are ready to accept. And we invite all participants to a fair fight.

I. KOROTCHENKO: And from what will they shoot?

M. MATVEEVSKY: The Belarusian comrades decided this year to use mortar systems, which are the most common, the most spectacular, because openly there you can simultaneously show both the mind of an artilleryman, and the strength of the personnel of calculations, dexterity. And it will be obvious, and the result will be obvious. They carry out fire missions. You need to get into the circle where the target is. Circle radius 15 meters, limited number of mines. Let's see how our competitors will get into this 15-meter circle - whether they will make us happy or upset. In addition, there are various other obstacles - shooting from grenade launchers and other moments that we used in the condition. Including from the excellently passing international tank biathlon.

I. KOROTCHENKO: But today the industry produces new artillery systems? After all, the corporation "Uralvagonzavod" has a plant number 9. Is something new coming in, or is it all the systems that were produced in the previous period?

M. MATVEEVSKY: 2S19M2 is MSTA-cm, this is a modernized MSTA, which was made back in Soviet time... And this modernized one was put into service last year by order of the Minister of Defense. And at the Parade now were not these old self-propelled howitzers MSTA, which were made in Soviet times, but ours, Russian, which have better and higher potential than the previous ones. We took into account all the shortcomings that we received, and during the combat training, which was exploited by the personnel. Those new approaches, such as the creation of an automated control and guidance system in these howitzers, which allows to reduce the time for completing a firing mission. This is one of the main criteria - to increase the rate of fire, shooting accuracy. This is all in the new modernized self-propelled howitzer MSTA-sm, which was adopted by the Minister of Defense last year.

I. KOROTCHENKO: Are you planning to abandon the D-30 howitzer?

M. MATVEEVSKY: This is a 122 mm caliber, it is mainly used in the artillery of the airborne troops, work is underway to create similar howitzers, but not trailed ones, and for the artillery of the airborne troops, which will make it not so heavy. You understand that this system is heavy. It should have mobility, it should most likely be wheeled, not tracked, and so on. We still have the D-30 howitzer, mainly in the artillery of the airborne troops and in the marines.

I. KOROTCHENKO: And the idea of ​​a wheeled tank hasn't caught on with us? There were ideologists of this system, even something was brought here to test this idea. Then they refused, the wheels did not fit for Russia?

M. MATVEEVSKY: This is one thing. And secondly, the conditions of the theater are such that it is not always possible to drive successfully on wheels. But after weighing all the pros and cons that were obtained when testing this wheel system, we came to the conclusion that it is better to have a caterpillar track in tank units or in tank troops. But maybe some nanotechnology will allow us to create a wheel drive.

I. KOROTCHENKO: Regarding multiple launch rocket systems, how is the development and saturation of troops proceeding now?

M. MATVEEVSKY: The famous BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system is still in service, but instead there is the same 122 caliber multiple launch rocket system with a new set of rockets that increase the effectiveness of destruction, called the Tornado-G ... It was also put into service last year by order of the minister, by the decree of the government of the Russian Federation. This is a modern weapon in rocket artillery. Caliber 300 mm is a large-caliber "Smerch", instead of it there is a system called "Tornado-S", which will also increase the combat potential of the existing "Smerch" by creating a new family of rockets, new approaches and improvements in the combat vehicle itself, related topographic referencing, guidance of the multiple launch rocket system package, and a number of other indicators that will allow us to increase the firepower and other things in the multiple launch rocket system - both Grad and Smerch.

I. KOROTCHENKO: When I visit weapons exhibitions abroad, I see that foreign countries, which today produce multiple launch rocket systems, are very actively working to increase the range, and on the issues of using these ammunition and the principles of high-precision target destruction. Here we have such work assigned for the rafting?

M. MATVEEVSKY: This is one of the areas that not only our potential partners are pursuing, it is The general trend development of rocket artillery, this is an increase in the firing range and at the same time an increase in accuracy. Rocket artillery must fire no worse than cannon artillery. And at the same time, howitzer, or barrel artillery should approach rocket artillery in terms of rate of fire. There is an eternal rivalry due to these qualities - an increase in the rate of fire, accuracy and range. In general, the complex of multiple launch rocket systems should meet modern requirements not only today, but also look a little further. It is necessary to increase the nomenclature of combat units, reduce the number of forces and assets for the performance of typical fire missions. We strive for this and work in this direction quite successfully.

I. KOROTCHENKO: The issue of personnel training. Kolomna school remained with us after all the reforms?

M. MATVEEVSKY: The system of training officers in this branch of the armed forces is equally entrusted to the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Academy, which provides a higher military education. The training of cadets goes in all directions that we called at the beginning of our conversation: missile, rocket, artillery reconnaissance, automated control system, cannon artillery, anti-tank artillery, mortars - all this is entrusted to the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Academy. That is, we have concentrated in one university the training of both cadets and officers. Training not only officer-trainees for two years, but also training for appointment to higher positions. He was a battery commander, he will be appointed chief of staff of a divisional - which means that he must definitely undergo training at the faculty of retraining and advanced training at our famous Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy. In addition, cadets with secondary specialized education, with a training period of 2 years and 10 months, are trained in this academy. These are very scarce specialties.

I. KOROTCHENKO: Are they graduating as lieutenants?

M. MATVEEVSKY: Warrant officers. Highly scarce specialties, such as chiefs of crews of command and staff vehicles of the same Iskander missile system and others.

I. KOROTCHENKO: What are the main elements of the rocket artillery troops at the international military-technical forum "Army-2015"?

M. MATVEEVSKY: At this forum, the rocket artillery troops present a number of weapons that are well known to everyone. The same "Iskander" will be, "Chrysanthemum", but at the SVK. "Hosta", MSTA. All this will be static. But besides this, the same samples of weapons will be presented at a dynamic display. We will carry out real fire missions, the viewer will see how all this is actually being done - from loading missiles to firing artillery. In addition, we will involve modern artillery reconnaissance means for the dynamic display. The results of reconnaissance, results of fire correction, explosions of shells will be displayed, which we will see on the screen in the artillery reconnaissance means in front of the stands, so that the viewer can see everything.

I. KOROTCHENKO: You mentioned the training of officers in the specialties of automated control systems. In more detail, what is the role and place of ACS complexes, automated control systems, in the activities of missile forces and artillery?

M. MATVEEVSKY: Let me remind you that in the missile forces and artillery we have the ultimate goal of construction - the branch of the armed forces must move to a new qualitative state - the reconnaissance and fire system. This is a set of weapons of destruction - "Iskander", and so on, reconnaissance equipment, which must be interconnected with the automated control systems of the ACS. And this requires qualified personnel. There are specialties at the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Academy, which, starting from cadets and ending with advanced training courses for officers serving in the troops, study a new complex of automated control systems that take place in the troops, and which, first of all, from industry, enter this academy. We have advanced training. What the cadets and officers learn at the academy, when they come, will be able to accept and retrain the entire personnel already in subdivisions and military units.

I. KOROTCHENKO: How do you today assess the professional qualifications of soldiers-artillerymen of all categories, starting with officers, contract soldiers and conscripts?

M. MATVEEVSKY: Category - officers, warrant officers, sergeants, soldiers - we have both contract servicemen and conscripts. Indeed, now we can already say that contract servicemen from officer to sergeant have enough high level preparation, which allows at any time, regardless of whether there is a call for military service, replenished or not replenished. Our leading positions are gun commanders, non-commissioned officers, mechanics, drivers - all staffed servicemen under contract. We can say with confidence that it is precisely due to their professional training that we say that the rocket forces of an artillery unit are ready to perform tasks as intended at any time of the year and time, regardless of whether the personnel are called up or not. The conscripts undergo training both at once in subunits and in training units, training centers of the branch of the military. But they mostly go to positions that allow them to master a specialty in a year and complete tasks quite successfully.

I. KOROTCHENKO: How do our models of rocket and artillery weapons look in comparison with Western counterparts?

M. MATVEEVSKY: We constantly conduct comparative characteristics the main technical characteristics of weapons - both missile systems and artillery reconnaissance means, and other types of combat support equipment to ballistic stations. I will say that the potential that was set back in Soviet times and which we support in Lately, we can say that we are not inferior in terms of basic samples, analogs of foreign countries. And for some we even surpass, and at times. Foreign countries buy our equipment, and we train foreign specialists at our Mikhailovskaya Artillery Academy. This suggests that samples of rocket-technical weapons are in demand, they will serve for the benefit of our homeland for a long time to come.

I. KOROTCHENKO: What trends could be noted if we are talking about long-term planning and goal-setting in the design and development of appropriate means?

M. MATVEEVSKY: Traditionally, now there are several directions of development of means of armed warfare related to rocket artillery forces. This transition to the means of automated control systems, that is, the automation of processes that were previously performed manually - when aiming a gun, when preparing firing, and so on. The second trend is to increase the range and accuracy of fire. Only long-range engagement of the enemy makes it possible to realize all the plans of the combined-arms commander, first of all, without unnecessary casualties. Another direction is to increase the power of ammunition - to reduce the amount of manpower and resources for performing a typical task. For example, if BM-21 used to use so many jet batteries in order to hit a motorized infantry company in the imprisonment area, and Tornado-G reduced this number tenfold. And a number of others, connected with the creation of new training complexes, means for training personnel. It is not necessary to train personnel on military equipment, but on training centers created at the same time, maybe even ahead of schedule. They are easy to understand and provide savings. Creation of a set of training equipment for Iskander, which we already have. And a number of other areas that allow you to save money, and all other material resources, which in this case can be saved.

I. KOROTCHENKO: The Minister of Defense of Russia has repeatedly drawn attention to the fact that new equipment is being supplied to the troops, and it is necessary to ensure such a mode of operation and storage so that it does not use up its resource in an unproductive manner. In particular, we are talking about pre-fabricated shelters. How are these issues resolved? In particular, for the brigades, which are manned by Iskander.

M. MATVEEVSKY: The decision was made by the Minister of Defense, and we are implementing it in practice. After receiving the Iskander equipment, the missile brigade, after being trained at the training center, arrives at the point of permanent deployment, and the equipment enters a new park area, where tent mobile shelters are located, in which the necessary temperature and humidity conditions set by the designer are maintained. Thus, we completely exclude the issue, which is called "storage of equipment in the field." Thus, we do not reduce the assigned service life of the Iskander missile system.

I. KOROTCHENKO: That is, this task is being solved, and we will expect that their service life will be significantly extended. Both the operation itself and the maintenance will take place in conditions that are quite favorable for the personnel.

M. MATVEEVSKY: Of course, this decision has been made, and it is under the constant control of the Minister of Defense, Chief of the General Staff, Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces to create conditions for storing the Iskander missile forces' weapons. This is a top priority task, and it is being successfully addressed. I think that this approach will be applied to other artillery systems that we will be adopting in the near future.

I. KOROTCHENKO: Thank you very much, I hope we will still meet here and talk about the problems of missile forces and artillery.

M. MATVEEVSKY: Thank you.

Rocket troops and artillery(RV and A) - a branch of the Ground Forces, which is the main means of fire and nuclear destruction of the enemy in the course of combined-arms operations (combat operations). They are designed to perform the following main tasks:

• the conquest and retention of fire superiority over the enemy;
• the defeat of its nuclear weapons, manpower, weapons, military and special equipment;
• disorganization of the systems of command and control of troops and weapons, intelligence and electronic warfare;
• destruction of long-term defensive structures and other infrastructure;
• disruption of the operational and military rear services;
• weakening and isolation of the enemy's second echelons and reserves;
• the destruction of tanks and other armored vehicles of the enemy that have broken through into the depths of the defense;
• covering open flanks and joints;
• participation in the destruction of enemy air and sea landings;
• remote mining of terrain and objects;
• light support for night operations of troops;
• smoke, blinding of enemy targets;
• distribution of campaign materials and others.

Organizationally, RV and A consist of rocket, rocket, artillery brigades, including mixed, high-power artillery battalions, rocket artillery regiments, separate reconnaissance divisions, as well as artillery of combined-arms brigades and military bases.

Further development and enhancement of the combat capabilities of RV and Airborne Forces is carried out by creating reconnaissance and firing contours, including on a temporary basis, ensuring the destruction of targets in real time, equipping RV and A formations and units with high-precision weapons, increasing the firing range and power of the used ammunition, as well as automation of the preparation and firing processes.

This branch of the military also appeared in the early 60s of the last century. It consists of: formations of operational-tactical missiles, formations of tactical missiles, large-caliber rocket artillery, as well as cannon, rocket and howitzer artillery. The missile forces also include mortar units and artillery reconnaissance, supply and control units.

The military doctrine says that this type of troops is the main means of inflicting fire damage on the enemy in battle. This branch of the military can also use weapons of mass destruction.

Today, the Rocket Forces are armed with a large number of artillery and missile weapons, mainly developed as in the Soviet years.

The most known to the general public are multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) "Grad", "Smerch", "Uragan". These types of weapons were used by Soviet troops during the Afghan war, they went through both Chechen campaigns and proved to be a very reliable and effective type of weapon.

New developments include the Tornado MLRS and the Iskander operational missile system.

The main weapons of the Strategic Missile Forces are intercontinental ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads, which can hit targets anywhere in the world. The Strategic Missile Forces is a separate branch of the armed forces that is subordinate to the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Russian missile forces were formed on December 17, 1959. This date is the official Day of the Russian Missile Forces. The Military Academy of the Strategic Missile Forces is located in Balashikha (Moscow Region).

"Land" missilemen have their professional holiday - November 19 is the Day of the Russian Missile Forces and Artillery.

History of creation

Man began to launch rockets into the sky a long time ago, almost immediately after the invention of gunpowder. There is historical information on the use of rockets for salutes and fireworks in Ancient China(about the 3rd century BC). They tried to use missiles in military affairs, but due to their imperfections, no particular success was achieved. Many prominent minds of the East and West were engaged in rockets, but they were, rather, an interesting curiosity than an object suitable for practical use.

In the 19th century, Congreve missiles were adopted by the British army, which were used for several decades. However, the accuracy of these missiles left much to be desired, therefore, in the end, they were supplanted by cannon artillery.

Interest in the development of missile technology reawakened only after the end of the First World War. Design teams in many countries were engaged in practical work in the field of jet propulsion. And the results were not long in coming. Before the start of the next world war, the BM-13 multiple launch rocket launcher, the famous Katyusha, was created in the USSR, which later became one of the symbols of Victory.

In Germany, the development of new rocket engines was carried out by the brilliant designer Wernher von Braun - the creator of the first V-2 ballistic missile and the "father" of the American Apollo project.

During the war, several more models of effective missile weapons appeared: a rocket-propelled grenade launcher (the German Faustpatron and the American Bazooka), the first anti-tank guided missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, and the V-1 cruise missile.

After the invention of nuclear weapons, the importance of rocket technology increased many times over. Rockets have become the main carrier of nuclear warheads. The United States could use strategic aviation, which was deployed at numerous bases in Europe, Turkey and Japan, to deliver nuclear strikes on Soviet territory. Soviet Union he had no bases, therefore, in the event of the outbreak of Armageddon, he could rely only on strategic missiles.

The first Soviet ballistic missiles were created on the basis of German captured technology, they had a relatively short flight range and could only perform operational tasks. Special-purpose engineering brigades were armed with similar missiles.

The first Soviet ICBM (flight range 8 thousand km) was the royal R-7. It was first launched in 1957. With the help of R-7, the first artificial Earth satellite was launched into orbit. In December of the same year, units with long-range ballistic missiles were allocated to a separate branch of the military, and brigades armed with tactical and operational-tactical missiles became part of the Ground Forces.

In the 60s, work on the creation of new models of artillery and missile systems for the Ground Forces was somewhat suspended, since it was believed that they would be of little use in a global nuclear war. In 1963, the operation of the new BM-21 Grad MLRS began, which is still in service with the RF Armed Forces.

In the 60s and 70s, the USSR began to deploy second generation ICBMs, which were launched from highly protected launch silos. By the beginning of the 70s, at the cost of incredible efforts, nuclear parity with the Americans had been achieved. In the same period, the first mobile launchers of ICBMs were created.

In the late 60s, the development of several self-propelled artillery systems began in the USSR, which later made up the so-called flower series: ACS "Akatsia", ACS "Carnation" and ACS "Pion". They are in service Russian army and in our days.

In the early 70s, an agreement was signed between the USSR and the United States to limit the number of nuclear charges. After the signing of this document, the Soviet Union significantly surpassed the United States in the number of missiles and warheads, but the Americans had more advanced technologies, their missiles were more powerful and more accurate.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Strategic Missile Forces received third-generation ICBMs with multiple warheads, and the accuracy of the missiles increased significantly. In 1975, the famous "Satan" was adopted - the R-36M missile, which for a long time was the main striking force of the Soviet Strategic Missile Forces, and then of the Russian missile forces. In the same year, the Tochka tactical missile system was adopted by the Ground Forces.

At the end of the 1980s, the missile forces received mobile and stationary complexes of the fourth generation (Topol, RS-22, RS-20V), and a new control system was introduced. In 1987, the Land Forces adopted the Smerch MLRS, which long years was considered the most powerful in the world (300 mm).

After the collapse of the USSR ICBMs, all missiles from the former Soviet republics were withdrawn into Russian territory, and the mines were destroyed. In 1996, the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation began to receive stationary-based fifth-generation ICBMs (Topol-M). In 2009-2010, regiments armed with the new Topol-M mobile complex are introduced into the Strategic Missile Forces.

Today, the replacement of outdated ICBMs with more modern Topol-M and Yars complexes continues, and the development of the Sarmat heavy liquid-propellant missile continues.

In 2010, the United States and Russia signed another agreement on the number of nuclear warheads and their carriers - SALT-3. According to this document, each of the countries can have no more than 1550 nuclear warheads and 770 carriers for them. By carriers is meant not only ICBMs, but also missile-carrying submarines and strategic aircraft.

Apparently, this treaty does not prohibit the manufacture of missiles with multiple warheads, but at the same time it does not restrict the creation of new elements of the missile defense system, which are currently being actively pursued in the United States.

The structure, composition and armament of the Strategic Missile Forces

Today, the Strategic Missile Forces includes three armies: 31st (Orenburg), 27th Guards (Vladimir) and 33rd Guards (Omsk), consisting of twelve missile divisions, as well as the Central Command Post and Main Headquarters missile troops.

In addition to military units, the Strategic Missile Forces includes several training grounds (Kapustin Yar, Sary-Shagan, Kamchatka), two educational institutions (an academy in Balashikha and an institute in Serpukhov), production facilities and bases for storage and repair of equipment.

Currently (information for 2015), the Strategic Missile Forces of the RF Armed Forces is armed with 305 missile systems of five different types:

• UR-100NUTTH - 60 (320 warheads);
• R-36M2 (and its modifications) - 46 (460 warheads);
• Topol - 72 (72 warheads);
• Topol-M (including mine and mobile versions) - 78 (78 warheads);
• Yars - 49 (196 warheads).

In total, the above complexes can carry 1166 nuclear charges.

The central command post (CKP) of the Strategic Missile Forces is located in the village of Vlasikha (Moscow region), it is located in a bunker at a depth of 30 meters. Continuous combat duty is conducted in it by four shift shifts. The communications equipment of the Center for Collective Use allows maintaining continuous communication with all other posts of missile forces and military units, receiving information from them, decoding it and responding adequately to it.

The Russian strategic nuclear forces use the automated command and control system "Kazbek", its portable terminal is the so-called black suitcase, which is constantly kept by the President of the Russian Federation, similar "suitcases" are held by the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff. Currently, work is underway to modernize the ASBU, the new fifth-generation system will allow for the rapid re-targeting of ICBMs, as well as bring orders directly to each launcher.

The Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation are equipped with a unique system "Perimeter", which in the West was nicknamed " With a dead hand". It makes it possible to retaliate against the aggressor, even if all command links of the Strategic Missile Forces are destroyed.

At present, the Strategic Missile Forces are being rearmed with new Yars missiles with multiple warheads. The tests of the more advanced Yars modification - R-26 Rubezh - have been completed. Work is underway to create a new heavy missile "Sarmat", which should replace the outdated Soviet "Voyevods".

The development of a new railway missile system "Barguzin" continues, but the timing of its tests is constantly postponed.

Rocket Forces and Artillery (MFA)

MFA is one of the branches of the Army, which is part of the Ground Forces. In addition to the ground forces, the missile defense and military equipment is part of other structures: the coastal troops of the Russian Navy, the Airborne Forces, the border and internal troops of the Russian Federation.

MFA consists of artillery, missile and rocket brigades, rocket artillery regiments, high-power divisions, as well as units that are part of the brigades of the Ground Forces.

The MFA has a wide range of weapons at its disposal, which makes it possible to effectively carry out the tasks facing this branch of the armed forces. Although most of these missile and artillery systems were developed and manufactured back in the Soviet Union, the troops are also receiving modern species weapons created in last years.

At present, the Russian army is armed with 48 Tochka-U tactical missile systems, as well as 108 Iskander missile systems. Both missiles can carry a nuclear warhead.

Barrel self-propelled artillery is represented mainly by samples created in the Soviet period: ACS "Carnation" (150 units), ACS "Akatsia" (about 800 units), ACS "Hyacinth-S" (about 100 items), ACS "Pion" (more 300 units, most of of them - in storage). Also worth mentioning is the 152-mm self-propelled gun "Msta" (450 units), which was modernized after the collapse of the USSR. Self-propelled artillery systems of Russian design include the Khosta self-propelled gun (50 units), which is a modernization of the Gvozdika installation, as well as the Nona-SVK self-propelled mortar (30 vehicles).

The MFA is armed with the following samples of towed barreled artillery: Nona-K mortar gun-howitzer (100 units), D-30A howitzer (more than 4.5 thousand units, most of them in storage), Msta-howitzer B "(150 units). To combat enemy armored vehicles, the MFA is armed with more than 500 MT-12 Rapier anti-tank guns.

Multiple launch rocket systems are represented by BM-21 Grad (550 vehicles), BM-27 Uragan (about 200 units) and MLRS BM-30 Smerch (100 units). In recent years, BM-21 and BM-30 have been modernized, based on which MLRS "Tornado-G" and "Tornado-S" have been created. The improved "Grad" has already begun to enter the troops (about 20 vehicles), "Tornado-S" is still in testing. Work is underway to modernize the Uragan MLRS.

The MFA is armed with a large number of mortars of various types and calibers: the Vasilek automatic mortar, the Podnos 82-mm mortar (800 units), the Sani mortar complex (700 units), the Tulpan self-propelled mortar (430 units) .).

Further development of missile and artillery weapons will proceed by creating integral contours, which will include reconnaissance means that will allow finding and hitting targets in real time ("network-centric warfare"). At present, much attention is paid to the development of new types of high-precision ammunition, an increase in the firing range, and an increase in its automation.

In 2015, the public was presented with a new Russian self-propelled gun "Coalition-SV", which will enter service with combat units by the end of 2016. This self-propelled gun has a large range and accuracy of fire, rate of fire and level of automation (compared to the ACS "Msta").

Today, Colonel-General Vladimir Nikolaevich Zaritsky, Head of the Missile Forces and Artillery, is answering questions from the editors of the Tekhnika i Armskoye magazine.

Colonel-General Vladimir Nikolaevich Zaritsky was born on June 15, 1948 in the village of Ostapy, Korostensky district, Zhytomyr region. In 1968 he graduated from the Odessa Artillery School (with honors), in 1978 - from the Military Artillery Academy (with honors), in 1999 - from the Russian Academy of State Service under the President of the Russian Federation (with honors). During his service, he passed all the main command positions: he was chief of staff, commander of a regiment, chief of missile forces and artillery of a division, commander of an artillery division, chief of the Kolomna Higher Artillery Command School and chief of MFA of the Moscow Military District. By the decree of the President of the Russian Federation of June 24, 2001, he was appointed Chief of the Missile Forces and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Honored Military Specialist, Candidate of Military Sciences, Corresponding Member Russian Academy missile and artillery sciences. Decorated with orders"For service to the Motherland in the Armed Forces of the USSR" II and III degree, "For military services", fourteen medals and personalized weapons.

- Vladimir Nikolaevich, since the Great Patriotic War, artillery has been called the "god of war." Since then, the Russian Missile Forces and Artillery have repeatedly confirmed their importance in a number of military conflicts. Meanwhile, statements are repeated from time to time that the rapid development of aerospace weapons and means of information warfare is gradually “depriving” artillery of its role as the main fire force.

- Indeed, the increasingly widespread and successful use of aviation for the effective engagement of the enemy in the course of full-scale wars and local conflicts in recent decades, it would seem, indicates a decrease in the importance of such traditional means of warfare as artillery or tanks. However, in reality, the situation is far from straightforward. And the statement of the fact that artillery performs the bulk of the tasks in engaging the enemy with fire is not only a tribute to the centuries-old tradition, but also an objective law. It is due to a number of obvious advantages of the Rocket Forces and artillery, such as maneuverability, high accuracy of strikes and artillery fire, the promptness of their application, and the insignificant dependence of the effectiveness of fire on the time of year, day, weather and other conditions. The experience of local conflicts has demonstrated the increased role of the Rocket Forces and artillery as a powerful and effective branch of the armed forces. It is obvious that in the foreseeable future the volume of fire missions assigned to this type of troops in operations and battles of local wars and armed conflicts will only increase.

Noting the great importance of the branch of the military, it should be mentioned that the Rocket Forces are an interspecific branch of the military. The formations of the Rocket Forces and artillery are in the Airborne Forces, and in the Coastal Forces of the Navy, and in the formations and military units of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and in the Border Troops.

- Any branch of the military is not only weapons and military equipment, but, above all, people. It is no secret that the "reforms" of the last decade of the 20th century hurt the personnel of our Armed Forces and caused many "failures" in the combat training system. What is the situation with the training of officers and specialists at the present time? What moments in the combat training of formations and units of the Rocket Forces and Artillery would you like to note from the experience of 2007?

- Now with missile and artillery units, tactical exercises are regularly conducted with launches of combat missiles and live firing, individual firing with officers and sergeants. In 2007 alone, in the course of combat training, more than 15 thousand fire missions were carried out from open and closed firing positions, about 100 thousand pieces of artillery ammunition were expended.

In general, the level of training was improved. This is confirmed by inspections and control checks to which formations and military units were subjected, as well as the conducted combined-arms tactical exercises.

To improve the professional training of our officers, we use various forms and teaching methods. One of the most effective forms of training are contests for the field training of division commanders, competitions for commanders of artillery batteries, contests for the best solution of tasks in shooting and fire control, training in combat work on equipment as part of officer crews, performing individual assignments etc.

It has become a tradition to hold competitions for the field training of commanders of missile and artillery divisions and All-Army competitions for commanders of artillery batteries, the final stage of which in 2007 took place at the 33rd artillery range of the Missile Forces and Artillery (Luga, Leningrad Region). Finalist officers representing the military districts, marines, airborne forces, and the Interior Ministry troops competed in tactical training, shooting, fire control, driving, fire and physical training.

The command of the Missile Forces and Artillery pays great attention to the training of officers in higher educational institutions of the branch of the military and junior specialists in regional training centers and training units. The future of the military branch belongs to young officers and professionals. Higher military educational institutions of the branch of the armed forces vedug training of officers in the specialty "higher military operational-tactical training" on the basis of the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy in St. Petersburg, officers with full military-special training - in the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy, Kazan, Kolomenskoye and the Yekaterinburg Higher Artillery Command Schools. I would also like to note that our universities train t specialists not only for the Ground Forces, but also fill the need for officers - artillerymen in the Airborne Forces, Coastal Forces of the Navy, as well as in the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Border Troops of the FSB.

Tactical missile system "Tochka".

Marshal of artillery B.M. Mikhalkin presents the winner with documents for the main prize of the competition among the commanders of artillery batteries - a car.

In addition, at present, the training of officers for the branch of the armed forces is carried out in the prestigious and popular civilian specialties "Electromechanics", "Radio engineering", "Automated information processing and control systems" and "Radio-electronic systems".

Based on the results of state attestations carried out during the graduation of officers in 2006 and 2007 and during inspections, we can confidently conclude that the level of knowledge of graduates generally corresponds to modern requirements and tasks of the branch of the military.

To prepare students for admission to higher military educational institutions, and, of course, first of all, the Rocket Forces and Artillery, the universities of the military branch have the St. Petersburg Cadet Rocket and Artillery Corps, formed in 1993. Graduates of the corps have the same rights, as well as graduates of the Suvorov military schools.

Much effort is being made to train junior specialists. Last year, more than five thousand young soldiers were released into the troops as junior specialists from the training centers of the military branch.

- The problems of the "transition period" could not but affect the state of technology and weapons of the Rocket Forces and artillery. What problems here, in your opinion, are the most significant?

- An analysis of military conflicts of recent decades, carried out taking into account the prospects for the development of weapons systems, shows that their most characteristic feature is a gradual decrease in the role of "contact" forms of hostilities, in which the main role the role of "non-contact" or "reconnaissance and fire" forms, in which deep fire engagement plays an increasingly important role, is relegated to strikes by ground combined-arms groupings of troops. It is only a stretch to say that the Russian Missile Forces and artillery are ready to successfully carry out their assigned missions in promising forms of hostilities. Today, more than 60% of the weapons in our branch of service have a service life of 11 years or more, and some of them have a service life of 30 years or more. The technical characteristics of these weapons in terms of such indicators as the range and accuracy of fire, maneuverability, we are generally satisfied. However, not all troop and fire control processes are automated, and the effectiveness of certain types of ammunition is low.

We have thoroughly studied and analyzed the problems of the branch of the armed forces and are taking purposeful steps to find a way out of this situation. In close cooperation with the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, which ensures the general technical policy of rearmament of the branch of the armed forces, with the direct participation of its chief, Major General O.S. Chikirev, specific scarecrows for re-equipping missile, artillery and reconnaissance formations have been identified.

Self-propelled howitzer 2S19 "Msta-S".

MLRS "Hurricane".

MLRS "Smerch".

- Could you elaborate on individual works in this direction?

- For example, the Tochka and Tochka-U tactical missile systems have been in service with the branch of the armed forces for about 30 years. This is a unique in accuracy, powerful and reliable weapon.

For the entire period of operation in the troops, not a single case of refusal of this equipment was recorded. At the same time, a new operational-tactical missile system "Iskander" was adopted in 2006, and the new equipment is already being supplied to the troops.

I would like to emphasize that the adoption of a new missile system, developed by the Kolomna FSUE "Design Bureau for Mechanical Engineering" under the direct supervision of chief designer Valery Kashin, opens up new perspectives in the modernization of missile technology. Summer 2007 in funds mass media the events on testing a new missile for this complex were widely covered, which were attended by First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov and Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov.

At present, active work has been launched to solve the problems of equipping artillery units with modern weapons. After three years of work by FSUE Uraltransmash under the leadership of Yuri Komratov to modernize the 152-mm self-propelled howitzer 2S19 Msta-S, the modernized versions of these guns, the 2S19M1, began to enter service with the formations and units of the Rocket Forces and artillery. They are equipped with a control system that automates the guidance and restoration of the gun aiming. In addition, the modernized howitzer has equipment for autonomous topographic positioning and navigation, information exchange in telecode mode with control vehicles from the automated fire control complexes. The use of this equipment makes it possible to carry out combat missions 2 times faster and with greater efficiency. The 2SZ Akatsiya and 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers are undergoing a similar upgrade. More than 10 artillery divisions have already been re-equipped with this type of equipment, and the supply of modernized guns will continue. First of all, they are received by artillery subunits of units and formations of constant readiness.

Also, in the interests of creating modern models of artillery weapons, the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" (General Director - Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Georgy Zakamennykh) is actively working.

One of the important areas is increasing the firing range of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). As a result of the work carried out by the State Unitary Enterprise "Splav" (General Director - Academician Nikolai Makarovets), MLRS "Smerch", "Uragan", "Grad" will be able to hit targets at a much greater distance and higher efficiency. The upgraded systems will go into service within the next 2-3 years.

Small-sized automated fire control complex (MCAU).

Self-propelled ATGM "Chrysanthemum-S".

Thanks to the developments of the State Unitary Enterprise "KB Priborostroeniya", and today it is headed by General Director Alexander Rybas, as well as the State Unitary Enterprise "KB Mashinostroeniya", the material part of the anti-tank divisions will also be updated. Self-propelled anti-tank systems "Kornet" and "Chrysanthemum-S" have been adopted, which have higher tactical and technical characteristics in comparison with the models of weapons in the anti-tank formations of the branch of the military.

The most serious task of the Rocket Forces and Artillery is the adoption and development of modern reconnaissance and automated control systems. The radar and sound-measuring systems currently available in the troops make it possible to provide reconnaissance and firing of artillery to engage targets to a depth of 20 km. An important place in the artillery reconnaissance system is occupied by aerial reconnaissance complexes with unmanned aerial vehicles. Their use will significantly increase the reconnaissance zone, in which it would be possible to determine the coordinates of the object in real time and to inflict a fire strike on it. This will make it possible to use the capabilities of the Rocket Forces and artillery in full. At the Mulinsky training ground in the Moscow Military District, a research exercise was carried out to test the possibility of conducting reconnaissance and fire actions of the artillery of the formation using the example of reconnaissance and fire integration of an artillery unit with the Tipchak air reconnaissance complex. As a result, positive results were obtained in partly solving the tasks of reconnaissance and additional reconnaissance of the area, determining the coordinates of targets and monitoring the results of fire damage in real time when using the Tipchak complex.

Strela OJSC is actively working on the problems of developing various means of artillery reconnaissance, coordinating the efforts of various organizations when considering the problems of creating promising models of reconnaissance equipment. Director General Nikolai Zaitsev.

In 2007, pilot military operation was completed in units and educational institutions of the Missile Forces and artillery of a unified small-sized automated fire control complex (MCAU) intended for control bodies of towed artillery, mortar batteries and reconnaissance spotters of artillery fire. This portable complex makes it possible to automate the process of determining the settings for firing at a target, transferring data from the reconnaissance officer to the firing subunits and, in general, reduces the control cycle time by 3-4 times.

Recently, the most active measures are being taken to develop an automated control system for a branch of the armed forces, integrated into a unified control system. In 2007, the state tests of the automated command and control subsystem of the MFA of the formation were successfully completed, which makes it possible to link artillery reconnaissance and fire weapons in a battalion-division link in a single information space and is the basis for creating a reconnaissance and fire system of a combined-arms formation.

Alignment of sighting devices at the firing position.

- What are the main directions of development of the missile forces and artillery weapons today?

- It should be noted that when forming the annual state defense orders (GOZ), the command of the branch of the armed forces advocates the concentration of efforts on the modernization of existing and development of promising weapon systems and military equipment, providing a significant increase in firepower, reconnaissance capabilities and controllability of formations of a branch of the military. As the studies have shown, it is expedient to establish the priorities for the development of weapons subsystems in the following way. In the first place is the improvement of the intelligence subsystem (up to 40% of the appropriations), in the second - the control subsystem (up to 35% of the appropriations) and in the third place - the development of the defeat and support subsystem (up to 25% of the appropriations).

It is essential that close cooperation has been established with research institutes and industrial enterprises. Representatives of the Directorate of the Head of the Missile Forces and Artillery and scientific institutions take part in the development of the state defense order, tactical and technical tasks for research and development work, in setting tasks for the development of weapons and military equipment of the Missile Forces and artillery, practically take part at all stages of their development - from setting research work prior to state testing.

It is worth noting that the arrival of new equipment in the troops is another impetus for closer interaction with industry. After all, all new models of military equipment entering the troops are serviced. Therefore, representatives of development enterprises, working directly in military units, provide invaluable assistance to personnel in the development of new weapons and military equipment.

In the future, it is planned to gradually develop the Rocket Forces and Artillery into a qualitatively new state, allowing the use of missile and artillery formations in the contour of the reconnaissance and fire system (ROS), covering all combined-arms levels from battalion to formation, inclusive. The creation of the ROS will make it possible to implement a number of qualitatively new principles, such as "reconnaissance-strike-maneuver", "shot (salvo) - destruction of the target." This will lead to a revision of concepts such as "exhaustion", "fire observation" and even "suppression" when hitting various objects. The massive use of high-precision weapons will make it possible to switch to one-time and guaranteed destruction of the most important targets before combined-arms groupings enter the battle.

The material was prepared with the assistance of the Information and Public Relations Service of the Ground Forces.

Chief of MFA, Colonel-General VN. Zaritsky at the observation post.

Unified small-sized automated fire control complex (MCAU).

Iskander operational-tactical missile system.

A comprehensive modernization program for the 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers is currently underway.

The Msta-S 152-mm self-propelled howitzer is in fire (photo by A. Chiryatnikov).

Photos courtesy of the Ground Forces Information and Public Relations Service.

From the editorial board

December 21, 2007 at Central Museum Of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in Moscow solemn ceremony handing over the epaulets of Lieutenant General Konstantin Ivanovich Konstantinov (1819-1871), found during the clearing of a crypt in the church of the village of Nivnoe, Surazhsky district, Bryansk region.

Our outstanding compatriot, a prominent scientist devoted his work to rocket technology. A graduate of the Mikhailovsky Artillery School, with his labors he laid scientific foundations creation of powder rockets (rocket dynamics), formed the scientific, educational, industrial and experimental base of domestic rocketry. K.I. Konstantinov developed the most advanced military missiles for the 19th century, which were used on land and at sea, as well as naval rescue missiles.

K.I. From 1840, Konstantinov served as the commander of the Pyrotechnic School in St. Petersburg, from 1850 - the commander of the Petersburg missile establishment, from September 1859 - the head of the Special Directorate for the production and use of military missiles, was the author of the project and creator in 1864-1871 ... Nikolaev rocket plant.

Essentially, creative activity chief rocket officer Russian Empire made it possible to lay an industrial base and scientific and technical groundwork for the creation of later domestic developments in the field of solid-propellant rocket technology.

The ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Marshal of artillery V.M. Mikhalkin, commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, Colonel-General N.E. Solovtsov, Deputy Chief of MFA, Major General A.Yu. Glinsky, head of the Strategic Missile Forces Military Academy, Colonel-General Yu.F. Kirillov, First Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of Educational Work of the RF Armed Forces, Lieutenant General V.N. Buslavsky and other representatives of the Armed Forces, scientific and technical community and museum workers.

The material was prepared with the assistance of department 1 "Airborne Forces of the Airborne Forces, 25 of the A.G. Novozhilov Department of FSUE" TsNIITOCHMASH ", the information and public relations service of the Airborne Forces and VNK Airborne Forces.